Prognostic importance of DNA from human papillomavirus in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is generally low, with the likelihood of locoregional recurrence or disease progression (LR/DP). Knowledge of prognostic factors for survival is key to achieving an understanding and increased survival. The present study aimed to identify prognostic factors for patients with OSCC, especially the presence of DNA from human papillomavirus (HPV). Retrospective cohort study including 119 patients with OSCC treated at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico City (2009-2013). Clinical information was obtained from patient records including LR/DP. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues were obtained and used for detecting DNA from different types of HPV. Potential prognostic factors for Overall Survival (OS) were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. After model adjustment, factors associated with longer OS were a pre-treatment platelet count above 400,000/mm3 (HR=0.09, p=0.026) and response to primary treatment (HR=0.26, p=0.001). HPV DNA was present in 23 (19.3%) of the patients and importantly, type 16 found in 19 of them. Although survival of HPV-positive patients was longer, difference was not significant. However, among patients with LR/DP, HPV positivity was significantly associated with increased survival (HR=0.23, p=0.034). Importantly, survival was significantly different for HPV-positive patients with LR/DP > 6 months (HR=0.20, p=0.002), had higher absolute lymphocyte count at start of treatment (HR=0.50, p=0.028) or had local rescue treatment (HR=0.24, p=0.019). Although HPV positivity was not associated with a longer OS of OSCC patients, a better prognosis was significantly associated with HPV positivity and recurring or progressing disease, particularly with HPV type 16

Prognostic factors in patients with breast cancer and brain metastasis as the first site of recurrence

Objective. To evaluate the prognostic factors (clinicalpathological characteristics and treatments) in patients with breast cancer and metastasis to central nervous system (CNS) as the first site of the disease. Materials and methods. Kaplan-Meier method and life tables were used to estimate overall survival time over a retrospective cohort of 125 breast cancer patients treated at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan) during 2007-2015, who presented metastasis to the CNS as the first site of extension of the disease. The cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the prognosis factors. Result. The median overall survival time was 14.2 months (IC95%: 11.83-26.93). Patients with triple negative (TN), according to inmunohistochemistry analysis classification, had lower survival times (p=0.0004) and had a risk of dying two times (p=0.037) higher than patients with a different immunophenotype (HR: 2.77. 95%CI: 1.10-6.99). The degree of intermediate SBR increases the risk of dying in patients with metastasis (HR 2.76, 95% CI: 1.17-6.51). Conclusion. CNS metastasis continues to be a poor prognostic factor that reduces survival and affects quality of life. It is recommended to monitor the early presence of clinical neurological manifestations during follow-up for prompt treatment. TN patients have worse prognosis and HER2+ a better control

Growing Teratoma Syndrome

Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is a rare clinical entity, which presents with enlarging teratomas masses of the retroperitoneum or other locations, occurring during or after systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of nonseminomatous germ cell of the testis (NSGCT), with normalised tumour markers. Awareness of this syndrome is necessary in order to prevent unnecessary chemotherapy and allow optimal management. Prognosis is excellent after the excision of these tumors, but surgery has to be as complete as possible. Surgical resection of bulky GTS lesions is technically challenging; intraoperative complications may occur; that is, why the treatment must not be delayed. Our experience in the surgical management of these lesions is reviewed in the following work

In situ and invasive carcinoma identified through an opportunistic screening mammography in asymptomatic women of Mexico City.

Objective. To describe the mammographic findings and carcinoma detection rate in asymptomatic women of Mexico City, that participated in an opportunistic screening program. Materials and methods. 39 491 participants were included, with mammograms performed and interpreted in the National Cancer Institute, from 2008 to 2011. The mammographic findings, type of lesion and true positives (TP), are described by age groups. We calculated the crude effect of age on the classification BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) 0 and the type of lesion. Results. The median age was 50 (45-57) years. 80.5% were classified as BIRADS 2, 11.4%(0), 4.1%(1), 3.5%(3), 0.5%(4) y 0.1%(5). Malignant lesions were detected in 1.3 and 3.3 per 1000 and the proportion of true positives (TP) was 8.2% and 20.6%, in women of 41-50 and 51-70 years, respectively. Conclusions. Although some cases are detected in women 40 to 50 years, in women over 50 years the screening by mammography is more efficient, with a higher proportion of cases detected and fewer false positives

Estimating the indirect costs associated with the expected number of cancer cases in Mexico by 2020

Objective. To estimate the indirect costs generated by adults with cancer in Mexico from 2002-2020. Materials and methods. Using information from national sources and the national cancer incidence from GLOBOCAN, we estimated income lost due to premature death (ILPD), short-term benefits (STBs), disability pensions (DPs), and opportunity costs for the carer (OCCs) generated by patients with cancer. Amounts were reported in Mexican pesos. Results. We estimated 23 359 deaths and 216 679 new cases of cancer by 2020, which would be associated with a total indirect cost of 20.15 billion Mexican pesos. Men are expected to generate 54.9% of these costs. ILPD is expected to comprise the highest percentage of the cost (60%), followed by OCCs (22%), STBs (17%) and DPs (1%). Conclusions. From an economic perspective, the results emphasize the need to strengthen preventive interventions and early detection of cancer among adults to reduce its effect on the productivity of Mexico. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21149/spm.v58i2.779

Cancer Trends in Mexico: Essential Data for the Creation and Follow-Up of Public Policies

Purpose: Cancer in a country like Mexico is a challenge for the current health system and for public health. However, the statistics about cancer in Mexico are scarce, so epidemiologic surveillance needs to be improved. The objectives of this article were to describe the extent of cancer and to estimate the national burden of cancer through 2020. Materials and Methods: To meet this objective, an analysis of secondary official sources was performed. The cancer cases through 2020 were estimated on the basis of trends in mortality and the projection of incident cases reported by GLOBOCAN. Results: In 2013, cancer was the cause of 12.84% of all deaths in Mexico. It is projected that the prevalence of cancer will be 904,581 by 2017 and will reach 1,262,861 by early in the next decade (ie, 2020). Conclusion: Available data for cancer are incomplete. The development and implementation of population-based cancer registries in Mexico are essential. Assessment of the future outlook of cancer in Mexico will provide awareness of future challenges and can help health systems prepare to face them